Learn how to bike and bus in winter

Local organizations are collaborating to host a community Winter Smart Commute Workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The event will take place at The Little Fleet, 448 E. Front St., from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The workshop is open to the public and will be hosted by Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails (TART) and the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI).

Experts will host a panel discussion providing information on how to bike and bus this winter. Topics will include: How to navigate the TART Trail Network in winter weather; winter transit tips for utilizing the Bay Area Transit Authority (BATA) system; and advice from NORTE! on how families and kids can enjoy cycling throughout the winter.

“NORTE! aims to demystify the practice of winter cycling and create awareness that people riding bikes to work and school in the winter is safe, fun, healthy, and normal. Winter commuting is a great way to start your day and embrace winter,” said Ty Schmidt, co-founder of NORTE!.

Panelists will also provide insight on how to walk, cycle, and take public transit to make year-round smart commuting a lifestyle.

Local commuter Claire Karner described winter biking as a “fun adventure.”

“It can be intimidating at first, but once you have appropriate gear and some friends to do it with, it can honestly become a highlight of your daily routine,” she said. “As a Traverse City native, it has been really cool to see our region transform into a year-round biking community.”

The free event will take place indoors at The Little Fleet with optional outdoor seating. There are bike racks available for cyclists and on-street parking for vehicles. Discounted beverages will be provided for all attendees and Koko's Café will provide organic and local foods for purchase.